SMITHS FALLS — The Town of Smiths Falls integrity commissioner has found that two members of council breached the municipality’s Code of Conduct after making offensive and inappropriate comments about an identifiable individual during a Jan. 5, 2026 council meeting.
In a report dated Feb. 11, 2026, integrity commissioner Tony Fleming concluded that Councillors Jay Brennan and Stephen Robinson violated sections of the code related to respectful conduct, discriminatory language, and professionalism at meetings.
The investigation followed a complaint filed Jan. 20, 2026, alleging the councillors made inappropriate remarks at the conclusion of the Jan. 5 meeting. The comments were captured on audio in a “hot mic” moment by local journalist Grant Deme for Lanark Leeds Today, and were later reported publicly. Neither councillor disputed making the statements.
Town clerk Kerry Costello told council the integrity commissioner conducted a joint investigation and prepared a joint report, which council is required under the Municipal Act to formally receive and make public.
“Regardless of whatever disciplinary action council decides to take, we do need to formally accept this report via resolution, and we also need to ensure that this report is made public and posted on our website for a minimum five-year period,” Costello said.
She also outlined the integrity commissioner’s recommendations, which call for additional sanctions in recognition of council’s earlier suspensions and public apologies.
“The integrity commissioner recommends that council further suspend the pay of both members as follows: a suspension of pay for 15 days for Coun. Brennan and a suspension of pay for five days for Coun. Robinson,” Costello said.
Council had previously suspended Brennan from attending meetings for 45 days and Robinson for 15 days. Brennan also issued a public apology and donated the equivalent of his 45 days’ pay to the Heritage House Museum.
During the Feb. 17 committee of the whole meeting, Robinson issued a public apology.
“I sent a brief, three-letter text message to Coun. Brennan in a moment of frustration,” Robinson said. “While the message did not reference any individual by name and was not intended as a personal attack, I acknowledge that sending it was inappropriate. I accept full responsibility for this lapse in judgment and sincerely apologize for my conduct.”
Council accepted the recommendations.
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